2007 Minneapolis Commuter Choice Award Winners

Resolution of the City of Minneapolis

By Ostrow, Gordon, Hofstede, Johnson, Samuels, Lilligren,

Goodman, Glidden, Schiff, Remington, Benson, Colvin Roy and Hodges

Commending the Minneapolis Recipients of the 2007 Commuter Challenge Choice Awards

Whereas, Minneapolis faces a grave challenge in the form of the increasing impacts of reliance on single-occupancy automobiles, including environmental degradation, increased congestion and lost productivity, decreasing physical activity, and rising obesity rates; and

Whereas, meeting this challenge requires innovative approaches to shift the focus of our transportation system away from automobile use and toward cleaner, more efficient, and healthier modes of conveyance; and 1

Whereas, the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit and regional Transportation Management Organizations including the Minneapolis TMO partner to create a network of transportation services that support employers and commuters; and

Whereas, the partnership created the Commuter Choice Awards to honor organizations and individuals for their creative solutions in promoting alternatives to driving to work alone, including transit, bicycle commuting, carpooling, vanpooling, and telecommuting; and

Whereas, these programs have helped improve the quality of life in the Twin Cities metro area by reducing pollution and congestion on roadways and making employees' daily commutes more enjoyable; and

Whereas, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus won the 2007 award for Outstanding Promotion (large organization) for the work of its Parking and Transportation Services department in implementing a transit and transportation response plan to reduce single-occupancy car trips to the University after the I-35W bridge collapse; and

Whereas, Minneapolis Community and Technical College won the 2007 University or School Award for promoting options such as the Go-To College Pass for students, offering more bike racks and adding parking for motorcycles; and

Whereas, Minneapolis-based engineering firm Dunham won the 2007 Rookie of the Year Award for providing unlimited-ride Metropasses to employees at no cost; and

Whereas, Thomas Ruffaner of Augsburg College won the 2007 Individual Achievement Award for advocating for public transportation and alternative commuting at the college by encouraging college leaders to implement discounts on transit passes and to offer the Go-To College Pass program for students;

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved by the City of Minneapolis

That the City thanks each Minneapolis winner for their invaluable contributions to the health of our transportation system and the livability of our City, and applauds them for their leadership in pushing toward a sustainable future.